Click on each site below to learn more about the flyways, byways, stopovers and residences of our two-winged and four-footed friends in the Stark County Section of the Canalway. Your journey may take you through the beautiful sights and sounds of the Stark County Park District as well as a State of Ohio Nature Preserve. A guided tour can increase your chance of sightings, but any day in the Canalway offers a wealth of viewing opportunities — especially along the 25 miles of Towpath Trail managed by Stark Parks.
In general, the areas where you’re most likely to see birds and wildlife are more rural, north of the Lake Lucerne parking area or south of Craig Pittman Memorial Park in Navarre. However, even Lock 4 Park attracts a variety of water fowl throughout the year.
Key Viewing Sites
- Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve
- Sippo Lake Park - Stark Parks
- Craig Pittman Memorial Park
- Towpath - Lake Lucerne, Butterbridge and John Glenn Grove Trailheads
- Walborn Reservation
- Downtown Canton
Before You Go
Plan & Expand Your Visit - using site features
Important Bird Areas
The region boasts a number of Important Bird Area (IBAs) — and some of Ohio’s best bird-watching opportunities.
Fun to Know
- Spring birding in the Canalway peaks in April-May. The Fall season runs September-November.
- Up to 93 species of birds have been documented north of Lake Lucerne along the Towpath Trail.
- The Sanders Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, located within Sippo Lake park, is the only licensed Category 2 facility in Stark County. Experienced staff care for over 2,000 injured and orphaned native wild animals each year. Visit www.starkparks.com/wildlife.asp for guidance prior to bringing animals in for care.
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Birds fill the air with color and song.
© Gigi Muir
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Follow the Canalway
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Dates: Winter & Spring Saturdays - 9 a.m. - Noon Nov. 17th, Dec. 8 & 22, Jan 26, Feb 9 & 23, March 9 & 23, April 6 & 27 Enjoy fresh food in winter and support local farmers, Grab lunch while you’re there, and then Head over to the Towpath Trail for a brisk winter’s walk. On snow-covered days, bring your cross-country skis for a great Towpath experience! Looking for fresh food and warm times during a long Canalway Winter? Head on over to the Countryside Winter Farmers Mark... More »
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A Towpath was a Towing Path Bicyclists and walkers on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail today follow the same path that in the 1800s was used by mules and mule-drivers to pull canal boats—with some exceptions. Canal Fever , KSU Press, 2009 More »
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